Prodigal Son Distorted by FB Pastor

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

I'm opposed to proof texting, so if that's what you're referring to then we're in agreement. However, I think the Bible is much more complex than what you propose, and I think it is highly likely that God did weave many layers of wisdom into every little verse. But hey, if you have all those "simple truths" figured out, then by all means--write a commentary and the rest of us can just stop studying and go by your interpretation. (Lest we be guilty of the "fluff" approach.)

The Bible is stories written down by an author who was trying to convey a truth. In this case, it's a Gospel writer (Luke, the only one who records this story) talking about the Kingdom of God. He had a specific purpose in writing what he did. He was not possessed and his hand taken over by the Almighty -- nor is that was "inspired of God" means.

My original pastor was the King of "multiple layers." He could be more creative than anyone. Personally, I think if we could understand and accept the single layer of wisdom, we'd do pretty well.

I don't doubt the Bible has multiple applications from simple principles. I also don't doubt the Bible doesn't speak to us individually in different ways in different seasons of our life. But interpreting the Bible like an easter egg hunt of goodies is not responsible exegesis and can be quite dangerous. It turns the reliance of what a Text means on us, not on the writer. The writer loses his pen.

I didn't say I had all the answers, so let's not be silly.

[MissBrattified]

Originally Posted by Socialite

The Bible is stories written down by an author who was trying to convey a truth. In this case, it's a Gospel writer (Luke, the only one who records this story) talking about the Kingdom of God. He had a specific purpose in writing what he did. He was not possessed and his hand taken over by the Almighty -- nor is that was "inspired of God" means.

My original pastor was the King of "multiple layers." He could be more creative than anyone. Personally, I think if we could understand and accept the single layer of wisdom, we'd do pretty well.

I don't doubt the Bible has multiple applications from simple principles. I also don't doubt the Bible doesn't speak to us individually in different ways in different seasons of our life. But interpreting the Bible like an easter egg hunt of goodies is not responsible exegesis and can be quite dangerous. It turns the reliance of what a Text means on us, not on the writer. The writer loses his pen.

I didn't say I had all the answers, so let's not be silly.

Well put; I agree. In this case, the story teller/author was Jesus-not Luke. Luke only transcribed it.

The problem is, even when we closely examine such stories using responsible exegesis and try to figure out the author's intent, we still come up with as many interpretations as belly buttons.

[Socialite]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Well put; I agree. In this case, the story teller/author was Jesus-not Luke. Luke only transcribed it.

The problem is, even when we closely examine such stories using responsible exegesis and try to figure out the author's intent, we still come up with as many interpretations as belly buttons.

True, Luke quoted Jesus, but like the other Gospels (John getting the most praise), the writers are framing a story using clips from the Master. Like a video editing project. Luke is trying to convey something about Jesus by providing even his own words.

What you said in the bold is true: we still come up with many interpretations and sometimes murky waters of disagreement (1 Cor 11, for example). But we must be honest when that happens. Also, many times this happens because of a disregard of authorial intent. I don't pretend to suggest that exegesis is easy, or that I'm the master. But going through great pains and disciplines to make sure we are striving to preserve the words and meaning once given, is critical.

Creativity is good, but it should never override exegesis.

[OldPathsII]

Originally Posted by MissBrattified

Well put; I agree. In this case, the story teller/author was Jesus-not Luke. Luke only transcribed it.

The problem is, even when we closely examine such stories using responsible exegesis and try to figure out the author's intent, we still come up with as many interpretations as belly buttons.

I see that your an Administrator here. I'm a little new, but I've heard a lot of things about this forum that aren't so good. But if your viewpoints that I've read are the kind that are leading this forum, it's in safe hands! Thank God for people who aren't afraid to realize the rules are not there to hurt us but to help us.

Some people view the fence as something that holds us in. But in reality, it's something that keeps out the things that can destroy us!

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by OldPaths

I see that your an Administrator here. I'm a little new, but I've heard a lot of things about this forum that aren't so good. But if your viewpoints that I've read are the kind that are leading this forum, it's in safe hands! Thank God for people who aren't afraid to realize the rules are not there to hurt us but to help us.

Some people view the fence as something that holds us in. But in reality, it's something that keeps out the things that can destroy us!